Excavator

ABSTRACT

An excavator for earthmoving and construction includes a main frame, a rotatable cabin mounted on top of the main frame, a boom, a stick, a digging bucket, and a slidable plate assembly attached to the main frame that is capable of distributing the weight of the rotatable operator&#39;s cabin. The excavator optionally includes a removable dump bed mounted to the main frame for receiving material from the digging bucket.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to earthmoving construction equipment.The present disclosure more particularly relates to excavators for usein construction.

BACKGROUND

Excavators are heavy earthmoving construction equipment. Excavators aregenerally comprised of a frame with tracks or wheels, an operator'scabin that is mounted on the top of the frame, a digging arm whichconsists of a boom portion and a stick portion, and a digging bucketattached to the stick portion of the digging arm. Both the operator'scabin and the digging arm are able to rotate 360° in a horizontal plane.The movements of the various components of the excavator are controlledthrough the use of hydraulic rams and hydraulic fluid.

Excavators have the function of digging into the earth. An operator'scabin and digging arm are mounted on a rotatable base. A counterweightis also mounted on the rotatable base. The rotatable base is mountedonto a self-propelled mobile (wheels or track system) frame. While theoperator's cabin and the digging arm are capable of revolving 360° in ahorizontal plane, neither are capable of moving forward or backwardindependently of the underlying frame (chassis) of the excavator.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is an excavator comprising a main frame having a longitudinalaxis; a slidable plate slidably mounted on said main frame, wherein saidslidable plate is slidable along a portion of said longitudinal axis ofsaid main frame; a cabin rotatably mounted on the top of said slidableplate; an articulated digging arm; and optionally a bucket removablyconnected to said articulated digging arm.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the excavator comprises amain frame; a second frame mounted on said main frame; a slidable plateslidably mounted on said second frame; a cabin rotatably mounted on saidslidable plate; an articulated digging arm rotatably mounted on saidslidable plate; and optionally a bucket removably connected to saidarticulated digging arm.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the excavator comprises amain frame; a second frame mounted on said main frame; a slidable plateslidably mounted on said second frame; a rotatable base mounted on saidslidable plate; a cabin mounted on said rotatable base; an articulateddigging arm mounted on said rotatable base; optionally a bucketremovably connected to said articulated digging arm.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the excavator comprises amain frame; a second frame mounted to said main frame; a reciprocallymovable plate mounted to said second frame; a rotatable base mounted onsaid reciprocally movable plate; a cabin mounted on said rotatable base;and a digging arm mounted on said rotatable base.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the excavator comprises amain frame having a longitudinal axis; a rotatable base mounted on mainframe; a cabin mounted on said rotatable base; an axle-walking beamassembly movably mounted below said main frame; means for reciprocallymoving said axle-walking beam assembly in the longitudinal axis of saidmain frame; an articulated digging arm; and optionally a bucketremovably connected to said articulated digging arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an illustrative embodiment of the excavatorwith the digging arm resting in a removable dump bed.

FIG. 2 is another side view of the illustrative embodiment of theexcavator of FIG. 1 with the digging arm resting on the ground.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the illustrative embodiment of the excavatorshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the illustrative embodiment of the excavatorshown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are front and side views of the operator's cabin of theexcavator.

FIG. 5C is a side view of the second frame of the excavator.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the illustrative embodiment of the excavatorshown in FIG. 1 with the operator's cabin rotated to face in thedirection of one longitudinal side of the excavator.

FIG. 7A is a top plan view of the second frame, of the excavator, whichmay also be referred to herein as the sliding plate frame, or weightslide frame.

FIG. 7B is a side view of the second frame engaged with the main frameof the excavator.

FIG. 7C is a side view of the operator's cabin of the excavator mountedon the rotatable base, second frame, and main frame.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the illustrative embodiment of theexcavator shown in FIG. 1 without showing the operator's cabin, slideplate assembly and optional dump bed.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary top plan view of the tandem axle-walking beamassembly of the illustrative embodiment of the excavator shown in FIG. 1without the operator's cabin mounted to the frame.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary top plan view of the front portion of theillustrative embodiment of the excavator shown in FIG. 1 without theoptional dump bed mounted on the frame.

FIGS. 11A-11B are top views of the power blade assembly of theexcavator.

FIGS. 11C and 11D are side views of the power blade assembly of theexcavator in both the lifted and lowered positions.

FIG. 12A is top view of the tow hitch assembly of the excavator in thefully retracted position.

FIG. 12B is a side view of the tow hitch assembly of the excavator inthe fully retracted position.

FIG. 12C is top view of the tow hitch assembly of the excavator in apartially extended position.

FIG. 12D is a side view of the tow hitch assembly of the excavator inthe partially extended position.

FIG. 12E is an end view of the tow hitch assembly of the excavator.

FIG. 13A-13C are partial side views of an illustrative embodiment of theexcavator with the operator's cabin positioned in different positions onthe slidable plate member.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the illustrative embodiment of the excavatorshown in FIG. 1 with the optional dump bed shown in the dumpingposition.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the illustrative embodiment of the excavatorshown in FIG. 1 with weight of the operator's cabin distributed fortransporting, digging arm resting in the dump bed, and tow hitchattached to a vehicle for transporting the excavator to or from aconstruction jobsite.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are cross-sectional views of the slide ring assemblyof the excavator.

FIG. 17A is a top view of an illustrative embodiment of the tandemaxle-walking beam assembly movably engaged with the main frame.

FIG. 17B is a side with of the operator's cabin mounted on the movabletandem axle-walking beam assembly of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18A-18C are partial side views of an illustrative embodiment of theexcavator with the operator's cabin mounted on the main frame of theexcavator with the movable tandem axle-walking beam assembly positionedin different positions along the longitudinal axis of the main frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed is a hydraulic excavator for construction. The excavatorcomprises an elongated main frame having opposite front and rear endsand spaced apart longitudinal sides. A plate is slidably engaged on topof the main frame and is capable of sliding forward and backward in thelongitudinal direction of the main frame. An operator's cabin isrotatably connected to the slidable plate and permits the cabin torotate 360° in a horizontal plane about the excavator. The excavatorfurther includes an articulated digging arm for digging into the earth.Like the operator's cabin, the articulated digging arm is capable ofrotating 360° about the excavator. A bucket or scoop for digging intothe earth or for scooping up material resting on the earth is removablyconnected to the end of the articulated arm of the excavator.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the excavator comprisesan elongated main frame having opposite front and rear ends and spacedapart elongated longitudinal axis. A plate is slidably engaged with topof the main frame and is capable of sliding forward and backward in thelongitudinal direction of the main frame. An operator's cabin isrotatably connected to the slidable plate and permits the cabin torotate 360° about the excavator. The excavator further includes anarticulated arm for digging into the earth. Like the cabin, thearticulated digging arm is capable of rotating 360° about the excavator.A bucket or scoop is removably connected to the end of the articulatedarm of the excavator. According to this embodiment, the excavator alsoincludes a removable dump bed for receiving material from the bucket ofthe excavator. The dump bed is releasable or otherwise removablyconnected to the top of the main frame.

According to other illustrative embodiments, the excavator comprises anelongated main frame having opposite top and bottom surfaces, oppositefront and rear ends, and spaced apart elongated longitudinal sides. Asecond frame is fixedly mounted on the top of the main frame of theexcavator. A plate is slidably engaged with the second frame and iscapable of sliding forward and backward in the longitudinal direction ofthe main frame. An operator's cabin is rotatably mounted on the top ofthe slidable plate and permits the cabin to rotate 360° about theexcavator. The excavator further includes an articulated arm for digginginto the earth. The articulated arm is connected to the rotatable plateand is capable of rotating 360° about the excavator. A bucket or scoopis removably connected to the end of the articulated arm of theexcavator.

According to other illustrative embodiments, the excavator comprises anelongated main frame having opposite top and bottom surfaces, oppositefront and rear ends, and spaced apart elongated longitudinal sides. Asecond frame is fixedly connected to the main frame. A plate is slidablyengaged with the second frame and is capable of sliding forward andbackward in the longitudinal axis of the main frame. An operator's cabinis rotatably connected to the slidable plate and permits the cabin torotate 360° about the excavator. The excavator further includes anarticulated arm for digging into the earth. The articulated arm isconnected to the main frame and is capable of rotating 360° about theexcavator. A bucket or scoop is removably connected to the end of thearticulated arm of the excavator. A pivotable dump bed is also removablyconnected to the movable frame for receiving materials from the diggingbucket.

According to certain embodiments, the excavator comprises an elongatedmain frame having opposite front and rear ends and spaced apartelongated longitudinal sides. A plate having opposite facing top andbottom surfaces is slidably mounted on the top of the main frame and iscapable of sliding forward and backward in the longitudinal direction ofthe main frame. A rotatable base rotatably mounted on the top surface ofthe slidable plate. An operator's cabin is rotatably mounted on top ofthe rotatable base and permits the cabin to rotate 360° about theexcavator. The excavator further includes an articulated arm for digginginto the earth. The articulated arm is connected to the base and is alsocapable of rotating 360° about the excavator. A bucket or scoop isremovably connected to the end of the articulated arm of the excavator.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the excavator comprisesan elongated main frame having opposite front and rear ends and spacedapart elongated longitudinal sides. A plate having opposite facing topand bottom surfaces is slidably engaged with the main frame and iscapable of sliding forward and backward in the long direction of themain frame. A rotatable base rotatably mounted to the top of theslidable plate. An operator's cabin is rotatably connected to therotatable base and permits the cabin to rotate 360° about the excavator.The excavator further includes an articulated arm for digging into theearth. The articulated arm is connected to the base and is capable ofrotating 360° about the excavator. A bucket or scoop is removablyconnected to the end of the articulated arm of the excavator. Accordingto this embodiment, the excavator also includes a removable dump bed forreceiving material from the bucket of the excavator. The dump bed isreleasable or otherwise removable from the main frame.

According to other illustrative embodiments, the excavator comprises anelongated main frame having opposite top and bottom surfaces, oppositefront and rear ends, and spaced apart elongated longitudinal sides. Asecond frame is fixedly mounted to the main frame. A plate havingopposite facing top and bottom surfaces is slidably engaged with thesecond frame and is capable of sliding forward and backward in the longdirection of the main frame. A rotatable base is rotatably mounted ontop of the slidable plate. An operator's cabin is rotatably mounted onthe top of the rotatable base and permits the cabin to rotate 360° aboutthe excavator. The excavator further includes an articulated arm fordigging into the earth. The articulated arm is connected to the base andis capable of rotating 360° about the excavator. A bucket or scoop isremovably connected to the end of the articulated arm of the excavator.

According to other illustrative embodiments, the excavator comprises anelongated main frame having opposite top and bottom surfaces, oppositefront and rear ends, and spaced apart longitudinal sides. A second frameis fixedly mounted on top of the main frame. A plate having oppositefacing top and bottom surfaces is slidably engaged with the second frameand is capable of sliding forward and backward in the long direction ofthe main frame. A rotatable base rotatably mounted on the top of theslidable plate. An operator's cabin is rotatably mounted on top of therotatable base and permits the cabin to rotate 360° about the excavator.The excavator further includes an articulated arm for digging into theearth. The articulated arm is connected rotatable base and is capable ofrotating 360° about the excavator. A bucket or scoop is removablyconnected to the end of the articulated arm of the excavator. A dump bedis also removably connected to the movable frame.

The excavator includes an elongated substantially rectangular-shapedmain frame with a front end, rear end, and spaced apart side rails. Themain frame may also be referred to as the chassis of the excavator. Theexcavator includes a rotary base that is positioned above the main frameand is mounted on top of the main frame. The rotary base is mounted on,and is otherwise supported by, the underlying main frame of theexcavator. An operator's cabin is mounted on top of the rotary base. Oneend of the boom of the articulated digging arm is pivotably mounted onthe rotary base for rotational movement about a horizontal axis. One endof a stick is pivotally connected to the other end of the boom of thearticulated digging arm. A bucket is pivotally connected to the free endof the stick for digging into the earth or for scooping up materialresting on the surface of the earth.

The excavator includes a main frame or chassis upon which the othercomponents of the excavator are mounted. The main frame comprises anelongated frame having a front end and a rear end, and opposite facingtop and bottom surfaces. The main frame comprises a generally elongatedand rectangular-shaped frame. A plate is slidingly engaged with the mainframe of the excavator directly, or through a second frame that ismounted to the top of the main frame. A rotatable base is rotatablyengaged with the sliding plate, and the operator's cabin and digging armare mounted on the rotatable base. The slidable plate is able to slideboth forward and backward within the boundaries of the second frame ofthe excavator. Due to the ability of the sliding plate to slide forwardand backward along a portion of the longitudinal axis of the main frameof the excavator, the operator's cabin and the digging arm are able toalso able to slide forward and backward with the sliding plate. Theslide plate and operator's cabin are able to slide forward and backwardin the direction of the longitudinal axis of the main frame of theexcavator independent from the movement the underlying main frame of theexcavator.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, a second frame is fixedlymounted to the top of the main frame. A slidable plate is slidablyengaged with the second frame. The second frame includes spaced apartfront and rear bars and spaced apart side rails positioned substantiallyin the same horizontal plane. The slidable plate is slidably engagedwith the side rails of the second frame. According to certainembodiments, the slidable plate is engaged with side rails through tubesor sleeves that are coaxially positioned around the side rails of thesecond frame. The tubes are provided with a suitable inner diameter thatis larger than the outer dimensions of side rails of the second frame toprovide for a clearance gap between the outer dimensions of the siderails of the second frame and the inner diameter of tubes. The clearancegap between the side rails and tubes permits the slidable plate to slideor otherwise move back and forth in a horizontal place between thespaced apart front and rear bars of the second frame. The slidable plateincludes opposite top and bottom surfaces, opposite front and rearedges, and opposite side edges. The plate also includes an openingcommunicating through the plate for passage of hydraulic fluid hoses andother cabling to operate the excavator. A hydraulic ram is positionedbelow the second frame and slidable plate, and is connected to rear barof second frame and to the slidable plate by a suitable connection meanssuch as hydraulic ram brackets. The hydraulic ram is used to move theslide plate forward and backward between the front bar and rear bar ofthe second frame.

A rotatable base is mounted on the top of the sliding plate. Anoperator's cabin is mounted on the top of the rotatable base. Theslidable plate allows the weight of the operator's cabin of theexcavator to shift forward and backward over the center of the tandemaxle walking beam of the excavator, which acts as a fulcrum point. Theslidable plate allows weight to be distributed where it needs to be inorder to provide balance and stability to the excavator while performingvarious digging operations over rugged and uneven terrain, while stillmaintaining the ability of the cabin and digging arm to rotate 360°about the excavator.

The excavator includes an articulated digging arm that is also connectedto the top of the rotatable base. The articulated digging arm includes aboom and a stick. The boom of the articulate arm includes opposite firstand second ends. The first end of the boom of the articulated arm ispivotably connected to the rotatable base by a suitable connectionmeans. The stick of the articulated arm also includes opposite first andsecond ends. The first end of the stick of the articulated arm ispivotably attached to the second end of the boom of the articulated armat a pivot point. A bucket is pivotably and releasably attached to thesecond end of stick of the articulated arm. Hydraulic rams are used toraise and lower the boom, and to pivot the stick and the bucket of theexcavator to perform digging operators and to facilitate transport ofthe excavator.

Mounted near the front of the main frame of the excavator is a frontsteering axle. The front steering axle is mounted to the bottom orunderside of the main frame through the steering axle frame. Wheels ortires are mounted on the outside of the spaced apart side rails of themain frame and are attached to the front steering axle by ball jointsfor making the excavator mobile.

A tandem axle walking beam assembly is mounted near the rear end of themain frame of the excavator through one or more axle frame brackets. Theaxle frame brackets are fixedly connected to the spaced apart side railsof main frame. A drive axle is connected to the axle frame brackets.Walking beam axles are attached to the drive axle through axle hubs. Theaxle hubs that connect the walking beam axles to the drive axle may alsohouse pivot and braking means. Sets of wheels or tires are mounted onthe outside of walking beam axles.

According to other illustrative embodiments, the excavator comprises amain frame having a longitudinal axis that extends from the front end tothe rear end of the main frame. A rotatable base is mounted to the mainframe. An operator's cabin rotatably mounted on the rotatable base.While the rotatable base and cabin are capable of rotating 360°, thebase is mounted in a stationary position on the main frame of theexcavator and does not move along the longitudinal axis of themainframe. An axle-walking beam assembly is movably mounted below themain frame. According to this alternative embodiment, the excavatorfurther includes means for reciprocally moving the axle-walking beamassembly forward and backward in the direction of the longitudinal axisof the main frame. The means for reciprocally moving thetandem-axle-walking beam assembly may include, without limitation, oneor more hydraulic rams or one or more actuators. The means forreciprocally moving the tandem axle-walking beam assembly are capable ofmoving the assembly to different locations in the direction of thelongitudinal axis of the main frame of the excavator in order todistribute the weight of the excavator as needed. According to thisembodiment, the excavator also includes an articulated digging arm andoptionally a bucket removably connected to the articulated digging arm.The tandem axle-walking beam may include a drive axle connected to themain frame, walking beams connected to the drive axle, wheel axlesconnected to the walking beams; and wheels rotatably mounted on thewheel axles.

A blade assembly is movably attached to the main frame of the excavatorand is used for grading and stability while digging with the rotatingexcavator. The power blade assembly includes a blade and at least onepivotable blade lift arm that is operated by a hydraulic ram to lift andlower the blade of the blade assembly. The hydraulic rams move blade upand down during an excavating operation. The power blade assembly alsoincludes blade tilt control means to control the tilt of the powerblade. The blade tilt control means is capable of tilting the blade invarious angles in the same vertical plane. The blade assembly furtherincludes blade angle control means for controlling the angle of thefront face of the blade in the horizontal plane. The blade angle controlmeans controls the angling of the blade from the neutral position, whichis the position where the front face of the power blade is facingrearwardly in the longitudinal direction of the elongated main frame ofthe excavator. Through the use of hydraulic rams, pivotable arms andlinkages, the blade angle control means can angle the front face of thepower blade to face both to the left and right sides of the main frameof the excavator. As the power blade can be moved upwardly anddownwardly in a vertical plane by the lift arm, and the blade can betilted in various angles in the same vertical plane, and the front faceof the blade can be angled to the left and right of the neutral positionin relation to the main frame of the excavator, it can be referred to asa six-way motion blade assembly.

A dump bed is optionally mounted to the top of the main frame near ofthe front end of the excavator. Also mounted near the front end of themain frame of the excavator is a hoist for dump bed. The hoist for thedump bed is essentially a frame that is connected to the main frame ofthe excavator and the dump bed. Without limitation, and only by way ofillustration, the hoist may comprise a substantially U-shaped dump bedhoist frame. The dump bed hoist frame may include spaced apart elongatedlegs that are connected at one of their ends by a connecting member. Thedump bed hoist frame is hingedly connected to the front end of the mainframe by dump bed hoist frame hinges. One or more hydraulic rams areconnected to the dump bed hoist frame and the main frame of theexcavator with hydraulic ram brackets. The hydraulic rams are used toextend upwardly the optional dump bed into dumping position during adumping operation.

An extendable tow hitch may by extendably engaged with the main frame atthe front end of the excavator. The extendable tow hitch comprises aframe having elongated and spaced apart legs. Each of the spaced apartlegs of tow hitch have opposite first and second ends. The second endsof legs of tow hitch are connected near their ends by a cross-member.Extending outwardly in the same horizontal plane from cross-member aretwo arms that converge and are joined at a junction point. Thecross-member and arms together form a triangular shape. Dependingsubstantially downwardly from the junction point of the two arms is aflange member having opposite upper and lower ends. The lower end of theflange member terminates with a tow eye hook. The first ends of the legsof the tow hitch frame are free. The free ends of the legs of the towhitch frame are inserted into the elongated spaced apart side rails ofthe main frame of the excavator. The free ends of the legs are attachedto hydraulic rams that are also mounted within the main frame side railsby ram brackets. The tow hitch assembly remains in the retractedposition with the legs of the tow hitch frame being inserted into thespaced apart legs of the main frame of the excavator until transport ofthe excavator is desired. When it is desired to transport the excavatorto or from a construction jobsite, the hydraulic rams housed within thespaced apart side rails of the main frame of the excavator are used toextend the tow hitch.

According to any of the illustrative embodiments described herein, theexcavator may utilize a track system, such as a track system driven by amotor and hydraulic rams, to impart mobility to the excavator as analternative to the use of the walking beams and wheels.

The excavator will now be described in greater detail with reference tothe drawing FIGURES. It should be noted that the excavator is notintended to be limited to the illustrative embodiments shown in thedrawing FIGURES.

FIG. shows a side view of an illustrative embodiment of revolvinghydraulic excavator 1. Excavator 1 includes an operator's cabin 2mounted on top of the mainframe 4 that is capable of rotating 360° inboth directions about the excavator. Attached to the operator's cabin 2,is a counterweight 3 for balancing the cabin 2 and a motor compartment 3a for housing the motor of the excavator 1.

Still referring to FIG. 1, excavator 1 includes main frame 4. Main frame4 is an elongated frame having a front end 5 and a rear end 6 andopposite facing top 7 and bottom 8 surfaces. A second frame 9 is fixedlyconnected to the top surface 7 of the main frame 4. A slidable plate(not shown in FIG. 1) is slidably engaged with second frame 9. Rotatablebase 10 is rotatably connected to the bottom wall of the operator'scabin 2 and the slidable plate. Main frame 4 is a mobile frame andincludes a plurality of wheels that are engaged with main frame 4through axles.

Still referring to FIG. 1, excavator 1 includes an articulated arm 11that is connected to rotatable base 10. Articulated arm 11 includes aboom 12 and a stick 13. The boom 12 of the articulated arm 11 includesopposite first 14 and second 15 ends. The first end 14 of the boom 12 ofthe articulated arm 11 is pivotably connected to the rotatable base 10by a suitable connection means. The stick 13 of the articulated arm 11includes opposite first 16 and second 17 ends. The first end 16 of thestick 13 of articulated arm 11 is pivotably attached to the second end15 of the boom 12 of the articulated arm 11 at pivot point 18. Bucket 19is pivotably attached to the second end 17 of stick 13 of articulatedarm 11.

Excavator 1 further includes dump bed 20. Dump bed 20 is removablyengaged with the top surface 7 of the main frame 4 of the hydraulicexcavator 1. Excavator 1 also includes blade assembly 55 and tow hitch22.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the excavator 1 with the operator's cabin 2in a rear facing position. The operator's cabin 2 and the articulateddigging arm 11 have been rotated 180° from the forward facing frontposition. The boom 12 of the articulated digging arm 11 has beenextended beyond the rear of the excavator 1. The stick 13 of thearticulated digging arm 11 has been pivoted to a position that issubstantially perpendicular to the ground surface. The digging bucket 19is shown resting on the ground.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the excavator 1. Operator's cabin 2 ismounted on top of the rotatable base 10. The boom 12 and stick 13 of thearticulate digging arm 11 have been retracted and second end of thestick 13 rests upon the top of the rotating base 10. Dump bed 20 ismounted on top of the main frame 4 of the excavator 1. A set of wheels64 are positioned on opposite sides of the main frame 4 of the excavator1 and are attached to steering axle 62.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the excavator 1. Operator's cabin 2, motorcompartment 3 and counterweight 3 a are mounted on top of rotatable base10. Rotatable base 10 is mounted on top of slidable plate 27. Wheels 88,90 are mounted to drive axle 85. Power blade 55 is mounted to the mainframe 4 of the excavator and extends beyond the wheels 88, 90.

FIG. 5A shows a front view of the operator's cabin 2 mounted on top ofthe rotatable base 10 and second frame 9. FIG. 5B shows a side view ofthe operator's cabin 2 mounted on top of the rotatable base 10 andsecond frame 9. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, second frame 9 includesspaced apart front 23 and rear 24 bars and spaced apart side rails 25,26. Slidable plate 27 is slidably engaged with the side rails 25, 26 ofthe second frame 9. Slidable plate 27 includes opposite top 30 andbottom 31 surfaces and opposite front 32 and rear 33 edges. Hydraulicram 34 is positioned below second frame 9 and slidable plate 27, and isconnected to rear bar 24 of second frame 9 and to the front edge 32 ofslidable plate 27 by a suitable connection means such as hydraulic rambrackets 35. Slidable plate 27 is connected to rotatable base 10, andslidable plate 27 and rotatable base move the operator's cabin forwardand backward between the front 23 and rear 24 frame bars of the secondframe 9. The slidable plate 27 is able to slide forward and backwardsalong a portion of the main frame 4 within the boundary established bythe front bar 23 and rear bar 24 of the second frame 9. Thus, theslidable plate, rotatable base 10, and the operator's cabin 2 can movetogether forward and backward in the direction of the longitudinal axisof the main frame 4 of the excavator 1.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of excavator 1. The operator's cabin 2 ofexcavator 1 has been rotated 90° to face the side of the excavator 1.Operator's cabin is mounted on rotary base 10. In turn, rotary base 10is mounted on the weight slide frame 9. The weight slide frame 9 isfixedly mounted to the underlying main frame 4 of the excavator 1. Nearthe front end 5 of main frame 4 is mounted a dump bed 20. Tow hitchassembly 22 is extendably mounted at the front end 5 of the main frame4. Mounted to the main frame 4 near the rear end 6 of frame 4 is thepower blade 55. Power blade 55 is mounted to the frame 4 by blade liftarm 56. Power blade 55 is shown in a downwardly position by power bladeram 51.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show an illustrative embodiment of the second frame 9 ofthe excavator 1. Second frame 9 includes spaced apart front 23 and rear24 bars and spaced apart side rails 25, 26. According to theillustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 7, slidable plate 27 is slidablyengaged with the side rails 25, 26 of the second frame 9. Slidable plate27 may be engaged with side rails 25, 26 through tubes 28, 29. Tube 28is coaxially positioned around side rail 25 and tube 29 is coaxiallypositioned around side rail 26. Tubes 28, 29 are provided with asuitable inner diameter that is larger than the outer dimensions of siderails 25, 26 to provide for a clearance gap between the outer dimensionsof side rails 25, 26 and the inner diameter of tubes 28, 29. Theclearance gap between the side rails 25, 26 and tubes 28, 29 permit theslidable plate 27 to slide or otherwise move back and forth between thespaced apart front 23 and rear 24 bars of the second frame 9 along theside rails 25, 26. Slidable plate 27 includes opposite top 30 and bottom31 surfaces and opposite front 32 and rear 33 edges. Hydraulic ram 34 ispositioned below second frame 9 and slidable plate 27, and is connectedto rear bar 24 of second frame 9 and to the front edge 32 of slidableplate 27 by a suitable connection means such as hydraulic ram brackets35. Hydraulic ram 34 is capable of moving slide plate 27 forward andbackward between the front bar 23 and rear bar 24 of second frame 9.Slidable plate 27 is connected to rotatable base 10, which includesopening 36 for passing of hydraulic fluid hosing and cabling requirementto operate the excavator 1. The slidable plate 27 allows the weight ofthe operator's cabin 2 of the excavator 1 to shift forward and backwardover the center of the tandem axle walking beam, which acts as a fulcrumpoint. The slidable plate 27 allows weight to be distributed where itneeds to be in order to perform various digging operations with theexcavator 1. The ability to distribute the weight of the operator'scabin 2 of the excavator also permits the excavator 1 to be towed withthe need for transporting the excavator with a trailer.

FIG. 7C shows the operator's cabin 2 of the excavator 1 mounted on topof rotatable base 10 (also known as the slew ring or turret). Therotatable turret 10 is mounted on top of the slide plate 27 (not shown),which is reciprocally engaged with second frame 9. Second frame 9 ismounted on main frame 4. A hydraulic ram is engages with the slidableplate and the second frame 9 to move the slidable forward and backwardin the longitudinal direction of the main frame 4 of the excavator 1.

FIG. 8 shows a top plan view of the illustrative embodiment of theexcavator shown in FIG. 1 without showing the operator's cabin, slideplate assembly, or optional dump bed. The front end 5 of the main frame4 includes wheels 64 that are engaged with the mainframe through frontsteering axle 62. Wheels 64 are mounted on each side of the spaced apartmain frame 4 side rails 49, 50 of frame 4 and are attached to thesteering axle 62 by ball joints 65. Dump bed hoist frame comprises aU-shaped dump bed hoist frame 67. Dump bed hoist frame 67 includes dumpbed hoist legs 68, 69 which are connected by connecting member 70. Dumpbed hoist frame 67 is hingedly connected to the front end of main frame4 by dump bed hoist frame hinges 71. Hydraulic rams 72, 73 are connectedto the dump bed hoist frame 67 with ram brackets 74, 75, and to mainframe 4 with ram brackets 76, 77. Still referring to FIG. 8, a tandemaxle walking beam assembly 80 is mounted near the rear end 6 of mainframe 4 through axle frame brackets 81, 82. Axle frame brackets 81, 82are fixedly connected to the main frame 4. Drive axle 83 is connected toaxle frame brackets 81, 82. Walking beam axles 84, 85 are attached tothe drive axle 83 through axle hubs 86, 87. Axle hubs 86, 87 house pivotand braking means. Axle hubs 86, 87 permits walking beam axles 84, 85 tomove up and down to follow the contour of the ground below beingtraversed by the excavator 1. Wheels 88, 89 are mounted on the outsideof walking beam 84 by wheel axles. Wheels 90, 91 are mounting on theoutside of walking beam axle 85 by wheel axles. Hydraulic motor 92 andtransmission power and drive main drive axle 93. Power blade assembly 55is mounted at the rear end 6 of the excavator 1.

FIG. 9 shows a fragmentary top view of the rear end of the excavator 1.A tandem axle walking beam assembly 80 is mounted near the rear end ofmain frame 4 through axle frame brackets 81, 82. Axle frame brackets 81,82 are fixedly connected to spaced apart side rails 49, 50 of main frame4. Drive axle 83 is connected to axle frame brackets 81, 82. Walkingbeam axles 84, 85 are attached to the drive axle 83 through axle hubs86, 87. Axle hubs 86, 87 house pivot and braking means. Axle hubs 86, 87permits walking beam axles 84, 85 to move up and down to follow thecontour of the ground below being traversed by the excavator 1. Wheels88, 89 are mounted on the outside of walking beam axle 84. Wheels 90, 91are mounting on the outside of walking beam axle 85. Hydraulic motor 92and transmission power and drive main drive axle 93.

FIG. 10 is fragmentary top view of the front end of the excavator 1.Front steering axle 62 is mounted near the front end of main frame 4through steering axle frame 63. Wheels 64 are mounted on each side ofthe spaced apart main frame side rails 49, 50 of frame 4 and areattached to the axle 62 by ball joints 65. Also mounted near the frontend of the main frame 4 of the excavator 1 is the dump bed hoist framefor dump bed 20. Dump bed hoist frame 67 comprises a U-shaped dump bedhoist frame 67. Dump bed hoist frame 67 includes dump bed hoist legs 68,69 which are connected by connecting member 70. Dump bed hoist frame 67is hingedly connected to the front end of main frame 4 by dump bed hoistframe hinges 71. Hydraulic rams 72, 73 are connected to the dump bedhoist frame 67 with ram brackets 74, 75, and to main frame 4 with rambrackets 76, 77.

FIG. 11A-11D show an illustrative embodiment of a power blade assembly54 for grading operations. Power blade assembly 54 is connected at therear of the main frame 4 of excavator 1. Blade arms 56, 57 are attachedto brackets 81, 82 at pivot points 56 a, 57 a. Power blade assembly 54includes blade 55 attached to blade lift arms 56, 57. Hydraulic rams 58,59 are connected to blade lift arms 56, 57. Hydraulic rams 58, 59 moveblade 55 up and down during an excavating operation or during transportof the excavator 1. Power blade assembly 54 also includes blade tiltcontrol means 60. Blade tilt control means 60 include hydraulic rams 60a, 60 b and is capable of tilting the blade 55 at various angles fromthe neutral position (the neutral position is a position that issubstantially horizontal to the ground) in the same vertical plane.Blade assembly 54 further includes blade angle control means 61. Bladeangle control means 61 includes hydraulic rams 61 a, 61 b and controlsthe angling of the blade 55 to the left side and right side of theneutral position (the neutral position is the position where the blade56 faces substantially rearwardly of the mainframe 4). The power blade55 can be referred to as a six-way motion blade as it is able to move upand down, tilt at different angles in the same vertical plane, and angleto the left and right of the neutral position. Hydraulic ram bracket 35is used to connect a hydraulic ram between the blade assembly 55 and theexcavator 1.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are top view of the extendable tow hitch 22.Extendable tow hitch 22 comprises a frame having elongated and spacedapart legs 37, 38. Each of legs 37, 38 of tow hitch 22 have oppositeends 39-42. Ends 39, 41 of legs 37, 38 of tow hitch 22 are connectednear one end by cross-member 43. Extending outwardly from cross-member43 in the same plane are arms 44, 45 that are joined at junction point46. The opposite ends 40, 42 of tow hitch legs 37, 38 are free. Nowreferring to FIG. 12C, the tow hitch 22 is extendably engaged with themain frame 4 of the excavator 1. Main frame 4 includes spaced apart andelongated side rails 49, 50. The free ends 40, 42 of tow hitch legs 37,38 are inserted into, and are housed within, the elongated spaced apartside rails 49, 50 of the main frame 4. The hydraulic rams 51, 52 areused to extend and retract the tow hitch 22 from the main frame 4.Hydraulic rams 51, 51 are attached to cross-member 43 at attachmentpoints 53 a. The other ends of the hydraulic rams 51, 52 are attached tomain frame 4. Referring to FIG. 12E, depending substantially downwardlyfrom junction point 46 is flange member 47. Flange member 47 hasopposite upper and lower ends. Tow eye hook 48 is attached to the lowerend of the flange member 47.

FIGS. 13A-13C show partial side views of the excavator 1. Excavatorincludes operator's cabin 2, motor compartment 3, and counterweight 3 a.The operator's cabin 2 of the excavator 1 mounted on top of rotatablebase 10 (also known as the slew ring or turret). The rotatable turret 10is mounted on top of the slide plate 27 (not shown), which isreciprocally engaged with second frame 9. Second frame 9, which includesfront bar member 23, rear bar member 24 and side rail 26, is mounted onmain frame 4. Axle bracket 82 is connected to the side of main frame 4and drive axle 83 is mounted to the main frame 4 through the axlebracket 82. FIG. 13B shows the operator's cabin 2 in the neutralposition with the weight of the cabin 2 positioned over the center ofthe drive axle 83. FIG. 13A shows the operator's cabin 2 with the weightof the cabin 2 shifted rearwardly of the center of the drive axle 83toward the rear end 6 of the excavator 1. FIG. 13C shows the operator'scabin 2 with the weight of the cabin 2 shifted forwardly of the centerof the drive axle 83 toward the front end 5 of the excavator 1.

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the illustrative embodiment of theexcavator 1 shown in FIG. 1 with the optional dump bed 20 shown in thedumping position. Dump bed 20 has been raised into dumping position byhydraulic ram 20 a that is connected to dump bed hoist frame 67. Tohitch 22 is shown in the fully retracted position within its legspositioned within the main frame 4. Operator's cabin 2 and articulateddigging arm 11 have been rotated 90° to face the side of the excavator1. Power blade assembly 55 is shown in the neutral position.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the illustrative embodiment of the excavatorshown in FIG. 1 with weight of the operator's cabin distributed fortransporting the excavator. Using the slidable plate 27, the weight ofthe operator's cabin 2 has been shifted backward toward the rear end 6of the excavator 1 such that the weight of the cabin 2 is shiftedrearward of the drive axle 83. This shifting of the weight raises thefront end 5 and wheels 64 of the excavator 1 off of the ground fortransport. The power blade assembly 55 with blade 56 is shown raised offof the ground and in the neutral position for transport. The articulateddigging arm 11 resting in the dump bed 20, and tow hitch 22 attached toa vehicle for transporting the excavator 1 to or from a constructionjobsite.

FIGS. 16A and 16B show cross sectional views of the slip ring assembly100. Slip ring 100 is connected to and is positioned within a generallycircular opening passing through the thickness of the rotatable base 10of the excavator 1. Slip ring assembly 100 includes a top stationaryportion 101 and a bottom rotatable portion 102 that is in fluidcommunication with top stationary portion 101. Top stationary portion101 is fixedly connected to the rotatable base 10 with connectors 111,112 and rotates with base 10. Bottom portion 102 of the slip ringassembly 100 is connected to the slide plate 27 through connectors 113,114. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, bottomportion 102 is rotatable independently of top portion 101 and rotatablebase 10. The top surface 104 of top portion 101 includes an inlet 105for receiving hydraulic fluid from a source of hydraulic fluid foroperating the various functionality of the excavator 1. Inlet 105includes suitable coupling or connection means for connecting the topportion 101 of the slip assembly 100 to conduit delivering hydraulicfluid from a hydraulic fluid source to the assembly 100. The top surface104 of top portion 101 includes an outlet 108 for receiving usedhydraulic fluid and removing it from the slip ring assembly 100. Outlet108 includes suitable coupling or connection means for connecting thetop portion 101 of the slip assembly 100 to conduit 110 returning usedhydraulic fluid. An elongated passageway 103 acting as a cable andhosing run is centrally disposed and passes through top 101 and bottom102 portions of the slip ring assembly 100. Hydraulic hosing 115delivers hydraulic fluid from above the rotatable base 10, via aplurality of hydraulic fluid hosing branches 115 a, to a valve bank 116positioned below the slip ring assembly 100. The illustrative embodimentshown in the FIG. 16B shows a bank of 10 valves. However, this is merelyan illustrative embodiments and the valve bank may include any number ofvalves depending on the number of implements on the excavator that needto be operated.

FIG. 17A is a top view of an illustrative embodiment of the tandemaxle-walking beam assembly movably engaged with the main frame. FIG. 18Ashows a fragmentary top view of the rear end of the excavator 1. Atandem axle walking beam assembly is movably mounted on main frame 4through axle frame slide channels 81 a, 82 a. Axle frame slide channels81 a, 82 a are fixedly connected to spaced apart side rails of mainframe 4. Drive axle 83 is connected to axle frame slide channels 81 a,82 a. Walking beam axles 84, 85 are attached to the drive axle 83through axle hubs 86, 87. Axle hubs 86, 87 house pivot and brakingmeans. Axle hubs 86, 87 permits walking beam axles 84, 85 to move up anddown to follow the contour of the ground below being traversed by theexcavator 1. Wheels 88, 89 are mounted on the outside of walking beamaxle 84. Wheels 90, 91 are mounting on the outside of walking beam axle85. Hydraulic motor 92 and transmission 93 power and drive main driveaxle 83. Linear actuator screw blocks 121, 122 are engaged with axleslide channels 81 a, 82 a. Linear actuator screws 127, 128 are engagedwith screw blocks 121, 122, screw bearings 123, 124, and gear motor 125,126. FIG. 17B is a side with of the operator's cabin mounted on themovable tandem axle-walking beam assembly of FIG. 17A. FIG. 17B showsthe operator's cabin 2 in the neutral position with drive axle 83located below the center of the cabin 2. In this position, the weight ofthe cabin 2 is positioned over the center of the drive axle 83.Operator's cabin 2 is mounted on rotatable base 10. Rotatable base 10 ismounted on plate 129. Plate 129 is mounted to main frame 4 in astationary position. The tandem axle walking beam assembly is driven bythe linear actuator and can move in the direction of the longitudinalaxis of the main frame. The plate 129 is mounted in a fixed position onthe main frame and operator's cabin 2, while being able to rotate 360°,cannot translate forward and backward in the direction of thelongitudinal axis of the excavator.

FIG. 18A-18C are partial side views of an illustrative embodiment of theexcavator with the operator's cabin mounted on the main frame of theexcavator with the movable tandem axle-walking beam assembly positionedin different positions along the longitudinal axis of the main frame.Excavator includes operator's cabin 2, motor compartment 3, andcounterweight 3 a. The operator's cabin 2 of the excavator 1 is mountedon top of rotatable base 10 (also known as the slew ring or turret). Therotatable turret 10 is mounted on top of the main frame 4. Axle bracket82 is connected to the side of main frame 4 and drive axle 83 is mountedto the main frame 4 through the axle bracket 82. According to theembodiment of the excavator 1 shown in FIGS. 18A-18C, an actuator isused to move the tandem axle-walking beam assembly forward and backwardalong the longitudinal axis of the excavator 1. FIG. 18B shows theoperator's cabin 2 in the neutral position with drive axle 83 locatedbelow the center of the cabin 2. In this position, the weight of thecabin 2 is positioned over the center of the drive axle 83. The actuatorincludes linear actuator screw block 121, actuator screw bearing 124,actuator gar motor 126 and linear actuator screw 128. FIGS. 18A and 18Cshow the tandem axle walking beam assembly moved to a position by thelinear actuator to a position both forwardly and rearwardly of theoperator's cabin 2 of the excavator 1.

While the excavator has been described in connection with variousillustrative embodiments, it is to be understood that other similarembodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made tothe described embodiments for performing the same function disclosedherein without deviating therefrom. The embodiments described above arenot necessarily in the alternative, as various embodiments may becombined to provide the desired characteristics. Therefore, theexcavator should not be limited to any single embodiment, but ratherconstrued in breadth and scope in accordance with the recitation of theappended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An excavator comprising: a main framehaving a longitudinal axis; a cabin rotatably mounted on the top of saidmain frame; an articulated digging arm; a bucket removably connected tosaid articulated digging arm; a drive axle connected to said main frame;walking beams connected to said drive axle; wheel axles connected tosaid walking beams and; wheels rotatably mounted on said wheel axles. 2.The excavator of claim 1, further comprising a dump bed hingedlyconnected to said main frame; and wheels mounted on each side of themain frame by a steering axle near the front of the main frame.
 3. Theexcavator of claim 1, wherein said cabin is connected to said main frameby a rotatable base.
 4. The excavator of claim 2, wherein said diggingarm comprises an articulated arm comprising a boom and a stick.
 5. Theexcavator of claim 2, comprising a blade connected to said main frame.6. The excavator of claim 2, further comprising a tow hitch extendablyconnected to said main frame.
 7. The excavator of claim 4, wherein saidarticulated digging arm is rotatably mounted on said main frame, whereinsaid articulated digging arm is capable of rotating 360° about theexcavator and resting in said dump bed.
 8. The excavator of claim 5,further comprising a blade connected to said main frame, wherein saidblade is able to move up and down, tilt at different angles in the samevertical plane, and angle to the left and right.
 9. An excavatorcomprising: a main frame having a longitudinal axis; a rotatable basemounted on main frame; a cabin mounted on said rotatable base; anaxle-walking beam assembly movably mounted below said main frame; a towhitch extendably connected to said main frame; a dump bed hingedlyconnected to said main frame; an articulated digging arm; and a bucketremovably connected to said articulate digging arm.